Computer fluid dynamics as a tool for analysis of endodontic irrigation

Endodontic treatment aims to prevent and treat pulp and periradicular diseases, mainly through mechanical and chemical procedures. The mechanical preparation is critical for successful chemical irrigation and disinfection, as it assures that it can reach all the pulp canal system. This is mostly important where the anatomy is more complex, such as in the mesial roots of lower molars. The aim of this study was to examine the suitability of using computer fluid dynamics (CFD) for endodontic irrigation in the pulp canal system. We were mostly interested in examining the properness of this methodology to compare different mechanical preparations. Data were obtained from mandibular molar roots, scanned by computed tomography (CT) providing a three-dimensional object that was exported to the computer-assisted design (CAD) software. CAD model of an 27G side-vented irrigation needle was created and placed 3mm from the apical foramen. The flow pattern, irrigant re-placement, velocity distribution, wall stress distribution, and apical pressure in the canal can be analysed with the proposed methodology. This approach showed that CFD may be a useful tool for endodontists to evaluate the requirements in attaining a wider mechanical preparation. That will produce a better fluid dynamic of the irrigant inside, where the anatomy of the root canal is more complex, possibly leading to a better disinfection.